The Conversation

Maggots are misunderstood, and we should see past the “yuck” factor and appreciate what these unique organisms can do for us. Michelle Harvey, Associate Professor, Deakin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Most people continue using their car because it’s convenient, but few consider the full cost of depreciation and maintenance. Carbon dioxide emissions rarely factor in people’s choice of transport. Ralph Sims, Emeritus Professor, Energy and Climate Mitigation, Massey University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Australia has thousands of beaches which differ greatly, from huge tides to high energy to recurring sinkholes. Hannah Power, Associate Professor in Coastal and Marine Science, University of Newcastle Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

No country has a higher diversity of sharks than Australia. That means we have a special responsibility to protect them. Peter Kyne, Senior Research Fellow in conservation biology, Charles Darwin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Blackwood’s main claim to fame is its magnificent dark and durable timber. But let me introduce you to the tree, a stunning wattle with Christmas-green foliage. Gregory Moore, Doctor of Botany, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Commercial flights could one day be propelled by sustainable fuels, renewable energy or hydrogen propulsion – but big challenges remain. Emma Rachel Whittlesea, Senior Research Fellow, Griffith University Tim Ryley, Professor and Head of Griffith Aviation, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

It’s a great time to buy sustainable Australian seafood, from cheaper lobster to farmed prawns and oysters. Here’s how. Carissa Klein, Associate professor, The University of Queensland Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Such tension has played out over many decades between agricultural communities and coal companies. We can avoid history repeating itself if we urgently set the right policies and laws in place. Madeline Taylor, Senior Lecturer, Macquarie University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Country by Bruce Pascoe and Bill Gammage is a dialogue between experts on First Nations ways of farming and agriculture. It is also a call to Australia to look after Country better. Taylor Coyne, Doctoral Candidate, UNSW Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Severe coastal flooding inundated islands in the Pacific last week, including the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. It’s a taste of things to come. Shayne McGregor, Associate Professor, and Associate Investigator for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, Monash University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The ‘SharkSmart’ approach, adopted by the Queensland government, aims to educate people to take responsibility for reducing shark bite risk by changing their own behaviour. But can humans change? Adam Smith, Adjunct Associate Professor, James Cook University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A review of Australia’s illegal logging laws tests the Morrison government’s commitment to halting global forest loss. Margaret Young, Professor, The University of Melbourne Catherine E. Gascoigne, Research Affiliate, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Tree sunburn tends to occur during hot spring days or in early summer, when trees are full of moisture. So why does it happen? And which trees are most vulnerable? Gregory Moore, Doctor of Botany, The University of Melbourne Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

After one La Niña, the Pacific sometimes retains cool water which enables a second La Niña to form. Andréa S. Taschetto, Associate Professor, UNSW Agus Santoso, Senior Research Associate, UNSW Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The old ways of keeping giant clam species healthy won’t work with climate change. We need new techniques - and fast. Sue-Ann Watson, Senior Research Fellow and Senior Curator (Queensland Museum), James Cook University Mei Lin Neo, Senior Research Fellow, National University of Singapore Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

A new report predicts an incredibly rapid closure of coal-fired power stations. Continuing to deny this is simply not in the interest of coal workers and their communities. Tim Nelson, Associate Professor of Economics, Griffith University Joel Gilmore, Associate Professor, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Senate Inquiry report “A way forward” recommended Aboriginal heritage protection be co-designed with Aboriginal people. However WA’s new Aboriginal Heritage Act seems to prioritise mining interests. Hannah McGlade, Associate professor, Curtin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

In several countries, court rulings have forced governments to make stronger cuts to emissions. But New Zealand courts have so far stayed clear of imposing legal steps, calling for regulation instead. Nathan Cooper, Associate Professor of Law, University of Waikato Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Almost one in three Australian homes now have solar panels – but as even more solar systems are installed, we face a growing challenge of managing temporary solar shutdowns. Sophie Adams, Research Fellow, School of Humanities and Languages, UNSW Baran Yildiz, Senior Research Associate, UNSW Naomi Stringer, Research Associate, UNSW Shanil Samarakoon, Lecturer, Centre for Social Impact, UNSW Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The paradise parrot was rediscovered by Cyril Jerrard, a Queensland grazier, in December 1921. But its return was fleeting. Russell McGregor, Adjunct Professor of History, James Cook University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.